Is it too early to talk about Blade Show '17?

[crippen]

Never been. Gonna make it happen this year I think.

 

[jdav]

Got back my admission price on the first of 5 Esse knives that I bought from the Knifeworks booth last year. Deals are that good.

 

[chase1]

Never to early to talk about the blade show

 

[boomdad]

All the big names will be there. Last year was my first year & I was like a kid in a candy store.

 

[IceColdEric]

Last year was my first show. It exceeded all expectations then some. Like others have said make sure you have money and time! The place is huge!

 

[troutman]

Got back my admission price on the first of 5 Esse knives that I bought from the Knifeworks booth last year. Deals are that good.

If you're in the market for anything Esee, Knifeworks is definitely the booth to visit. They usually have a display case with discontinued knives in it. I got a Benchmade auto last year for $75. Its regular price was twice that.
As others have said, don't be afraid to haggle if you have cash. Especially if you are buying multiple knives at one time.

 

[boomdad]

One of the coolest things is buying knives directly from the manufacturer. Jason Brous & Andre DeVillars are two must stop & B.S with guys.

 

[boomdad]

My tips on Blade Show:

1. **ARRIVE EARLY** Parking is a mother, and fills up very fast. Also, don't leave valuables (guns, in particular) in your car. The Cumberland area is notorious for car break ins.

2. Wear comfy shoes. You're gonna walk...and walk...and walk. Also, the venue tends to be warm, so dress accordingly. I can't stress the walking part enough. If the dogs are barking, you're gonna be miserable.

3. Bring a backpack. Everybody is giving out brochures, swag, that kind of stuff. Toting that crap with your hands gets old.
I throw some water bottles in my pack. Soft drinks/booze are available, but the $$ adds up fast.

4. Speaking of money, bring plenty. Bring more than you think you'd ever spend, and then some. Blade is not the time to go cheap, LOL. It's the one time of year to be prepared to go big.

5. Allow yourself **PLENTY** of time. There's so much to see, so many vendors and reps to chat with, the day will fly by before you know it.

6. I learned this tip the hard way, and it's helped me greatly. As you go in, pick up the free magazines. Inside, they'll be a map/listing of all the vendors/custom makers in the hall. Grab that map, and bring an ink pen. When you see something/someone that you may want to revisit, mark your map. I know it sounds corny, but that joint is so huge, and all the aisles look the same. This tip will especially help with finding custom makers. Their aisles are very generic looking with no real "landmarks".

7. Be courteous/respectful to the custom makers. I often ask before I go to handling their knives. It's a simple act of courtesy, but one that's appreciated. Don't be afraid to negotiate, and cash is king.

That's about all I've got, LOL. It really is awesome. I look forward to it every year.

That's a perfect summary especially for the first time patron!

 

[SafeCracka]

Last year people were in line for early bird at like 5am, LOL

 

[payneed]

Last year people were in line for early bird at like 5am, LOL

Can a fella "sneak in" with a Marfione mask? Asking for a friend...